At The National, we’re lucky to have a team of servers and cooks that aim to please…and even luckier to have excellent customers! As we usher in new hires, it’s probable that the first piece of advice shared is that here at The National, the answer is always yes.

If you’ve sauntered through our bright blue doors more than a couple of times, it’s likely that we already knew you wanted gluten-free flatbread or a sparkling water with lime. But for the rest of you soon-to-be-regulars, it never hurts to ask for these things that will transform a regular meal into an exceptional one. We will always do our best to accomodate!

This week, Bon Appetit Editor Rochelle Bilow gets down to the tricks of the trade. For those who have been afraid to ask, here are the ways to navigate your special requests at a restaurant such that you have a great time and the staff doesn’t hate you.